A high life in the city
New residential tower will be tallest in the CBD, writes Donna Fleming
It’s an encouraging sign when a property development company’s staff end up buying apartments built by the firm. That’s been the case in Melbourne, where quite a few employees of international firm Hengyi Pacific have bagged themselves homes in the company’s projects there, including The William in the central city.
And with Hengyi now turning its attention to Auckland, and constructing a landmark residential tower, The Pacifica, here, New Zealand general manager Liz Scott, reckons staff here will also be keen to snap up luxury apartments.
“They know they are getting the very best quality, and that the company knows what works, which is why they want to live in our projects,” says Liz, who is eyeing up an apartment in The Pacifica herself. “Everyone involved knows The Pacifica is going to be something special.”
It’s certainly likely to become an iconic part of the Auckland skyline. The Pacifica will be Auckland’s tallest residential skyscraper, at 178m tall with 57 storeys — 54 of them housing 295 apartments. The facade will also be distinctive. Made of glass and based on the traditional Maori pikorua “twist” motif, it will be designed to sparkle in the sunlight, making it reminiscent of the waters in nearby Waitemata Harbour. “We want it to reflect its surroundings,” says Liz. The Pacifica is being built in Commerce St, just a stone’s throw from Britomart. “So many great restaurants and bars will be just seconds away, which we think people will really appreciate.”
Other facilities nearby include Spark ( formerly Vector) Arena, Auckland University, the Viaduct and Silo Park. People who work in the CBD will be able to commute to work on foot in just minutes.
The Pacifica will also be home to a 35- suite boutique hotel which will have a separate entrance, and a high- end restaurant and cafe. A laneway between Commerce, Gore and Fort Streets will run past the door.
The apartments will come in one, two and three bedroom options, some including studies. Some of the lower level apartments have balconies, while those above the 21st floor have enclosed winter gardens, outdoor rooms that can be closed off and used all year round. “We know that New Zealanders like their outdoor space so we wanted to provide them with that,” Liz says.
Purchasers will be able to choose between light and dark decor options and though bespoke wooden joinery is included in some of the larger dwellings on the upper levels, people buying on lower levels can choose to upgrade if they wish.
Most apartments will feature top- of- the- range European appliances and stylish designer fixtures and fittings.
Hengyi and their architects Plus Architecture thought long and hard about how New Zealanders live and what they want in a home and came up with spacious designs they’re confident will cater to a wide range of needs.
They are also providing plenty of amenities in keeping with a luxury development, such as, spa/ sauna, swimming pool, yoga studio and gym. There’s also a library, cinema/ media room and residents’ lounge that can be booked for special events.
“If you want to have a family gathering, you can use the lounge, or if you want to have a movie night with friends or watch a sports game, the media room can be booked,” says Liz.
“These areas are ideal for entertaining if you want more space or don’t want to do it in your apartment.”
There will also be an outdoor dining terrace with two barbecues available to residents.
“Everything you could want is on site or very close by,” says Liz, adding that the neighbourhood is catering more and more to city dwellers with lots of high- calibre developments going up in the area.
Construction is due to begin in October and be completed by 2020. THE PACIFICA, COMMERCE ST, AUCKLAND A range of luxury apartments from one bedroom through to three bedroom penthouse — completion due in 2020. Located in Commerce St, just off Customs St East and a short stroll to Britomart, The Pacifica will include a boutique hotel and restaurant. Onsite facilities to include a gym, swimming pool, outdoor exercise deck, library and cinema room. OPTIONS: One bed apartments of 54- 72sq m from $ 627,000. One bed plus study ( 58- 81sq m) from $ 689,000. One bed plus study nook ( 74- 90sq m) from $ 771,000. Two bed ( 83- 157sq m) from $ 1.207 million. Two bed plus study nook ( 102- 106sq m) from $ 1.041 million. Two bed plus study ( 106- 116sq m) from $ 1.388 million. Three bed ( 125- 200sq m) from $ 1.893 million. Three bed plus study nook ( 141- 147sq m) from $ 2.27 million. Two bed penthouse ( 175- 190sq m) and three bed penthouse ( 235sq m); price on application. Valet car parks ( operated 24/ 7) available to buy. BODY CORP: From around $ 2500 for one bed apartments to more than $ 10,000 for penthouses a year. INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: